Man United to make Gareth Bale move, want David De Gea resolution - sources

Manchester United will make a last big attempt to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid in the final week of the transfer window and hope to resolve the David De Gea situation at the same time, sources have told ESPN FC.

United have a long-standing interest in Bale, which goes as far back as Real's interest in De Gea, and feel they can now finally leverage the situation to their advantage.

With the central defender having signed a new contract at the Bernabeu, the English club have only hardened their stance further, but sources have told ESPN FC that there is optimism at the club that Real's increased willingness to sign De Gea could allow significant room for negotiation over Bale.

Manchester United remain keen on Gareth Bale but a deal still appears unlikely.

Real president Florentino Perez has so far been highly reluctant to sell such stars, particularly as he orchestrated the big-money deal from Tottenham in 2013 and made the Wales international such a big part of his "project."